GOP leaders question federal actions in Minnesota, demand investigation into second fatal shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: A small but notable group of Republicans expressed concern on Sunday, January 25, over the tactics used by federal immigration officials in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a man by a US Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis.

The incident, which occurred during a federal immigration operation, drew national attention and prompted calls for greater accountability. 

The man killed, Alex Pretti, was a US citizen and an intensive care unit nurse. Federal officials defended the actions of the agents involved, while critics urged a full investigation into the shooting.

Republican officials urge federal accountability after second fatal shooting

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said that the killing of Pretti, 37, was a “real tragedy” and raised concerns about the impact of federal enforcement actions on public trust.

Pretti, who was born in Illinois, was protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown at the time of the shooting.

“I think the death of Americans, what we’re seeing on TV, it’s causing deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability,” Stitt said during an appearance on CNN’s 'State of the Union'. “Americans don’t like what they’re seeing right now.”

When asked whether he believed the president should withdraw immigration agents from Minnesota, Stitt said the decision rested with Trump.

“He’s getting bad advice right now,” the governor said. Stitt added that the administration needed to clearly articulate its goals moving forward.

He said that the president needed to explain the solution and the “endgame,” and cautioned against further politicization of the situation. “Right now, tempers are just going crazy, and we need to calm this down,” Stitt said.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina called for a comprehensive review of the incident and warned against premature conclusions.

“Any administration official who rushes to judgment and tries to shut down an investigation before it begins is doing an incredible disservice to the nation and to President Trump’s legacy,” Tillis said in a post.

Administration officials, however, continued to defend the broader immigration strategy.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “it’s a tragedy when anyone dies,” but placed responsibility on Democratic leadership in Minnesota.

“There are a lot of paid agitators who are ginning things up, and the governor has not done a good job of tamping this down,” Bessent said during an appearance on ABC’s 'This Week'.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urges Dems to block ICE funding

Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez intensified her criticism of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the weekend, calling on Senate Democrats to block funding for the agency following the Minneapolis shooting.

Her remarks came as protests and tensions continued in the Twin Cities after repeated confrontations between federal agents and local residents.

In a post on X, the New York Democrat accused the federal government of using excessive force and called for immediate action.

“Americans are being killed in the street by their government. Our Constitution is being shredded and our rights are dissolving. Resist. Senate Dems should block ICE funding this week. Activate the National Guard,” she wrote.

The comments marked one of the strongest demands by a sitting lawmaker to restrict ICE funding in response to the shooting, which federal officials say occurred as agents attempted to arrest a criminal migrant.

Authorities maintained that Pretti posed a deadly threat during the encounter.